La Bestia, the armoured car in which Barack Obama travelled during his visit to Spain

The visit of the American president to Spain was brief, intense and not without controversy. But we also got to see one of the most secure cars in the world: the limousine in which the American leader travels on his journeys. This car is officially named Cadillac One, to match the presidential aircraft (Air Force One) and the Navy helicopter, Marine One. But Americans, who are very fond of nicknames, call this fantastic and robust car The Beast.

And the name is a fitting one for the car. It is a limousine that entered service in 2009 and travels with the President wherever he goes, guaranteeing his safety. The days when American presidents travelled in an open-top car, with the risk that entails, are long gone, and today’s cars are prepared for any eventuality. The Beast is proof of this.

Although the first presidential cars were based on existing vehicles, the current car is based on a blend of a Cadillac DTS with the structure of a GMC pickup truck, but its exclusive features do not stop there. It is an armoured vehicle capable of withstanding the direct impact of a rocket, automatic rifle fire and even chemical attacks. Anyone travelling aboard The Beast can be sure they will survive all of it.

The body armour consists of steel plate 254 mm thick, while the windows are reinforced, measure 127 mm and are extremely resistant. They cannot be opened, except for the driver’s window, and only by a few centimetres. This guarantees the isolation of the cabin and the safety of the President and his companions. The car also has several radio systems, an air renewal system that filters the air completely, and a direct telephone line to the Pentagon and the Vice President, so it is always connected to the outside world, whatever happens.

The Beast’s armour can withstand almost any attack. Furthermore, the tyres are puncture-proof and, should they burst, the car’s steel rims can support the eight tonnes The Beast weighs to reach a safe place. The on-board first-aid kit is ready for any emergency and even includes a supply of blood compatible with President Obama, in case an emergency transfusion is needed. The reinforced rims are 19.1 inches, fitted with Goodyear Regional RHS truck tyres in size 285/70R19.5, although even if all four were to burst, it could keep driving without any problem.

All this equipment and reinforcement comes at a high price. The top speed of this car is 100 km/h and it consumes 30 litres of petrol per 100 km. It is also difficult to handle, since its weight sometimes plays tricks on it, as once in Ireland, when it got stuck on the exit ramp of the American embassy in Dublin. A great car, safe and powerful, but with a few Achilles’ heels due to that impressive inefficiency.

Source | Goodyear